IAR 99

{{Short description|Romanian trainer/light attack aircraft}}  {{Infobox aircraft | name= IAR 99 | image= File:Romanian Air Force IAR-99 Soim 100th anniversary of aviation colours.jpg | caption= IAR 99 of the [[Romanian Air Force]] | type= [[Trainer (aircraft)#Advanced training|Advanced trainer]] and [[attack aircraft|light attack aircraft]] | national_origin= Romania | manufacturer= [[Avioane Craiova]] | first_flight= 21 December 1985 | introduction= 1987 | retired= | status= In service | primary_user= [[Romanian Air Force]] | produced= 1985–2008 | number_built= 28 (25 Șoim/C 3 prototip) | developed_from= | variants= }}

The '''IAR 99'''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Avioane IAR 99 Soim (Hawk) |url=https://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/detail.php?aircraft_id=995 |access-date=2023-05-04 |website=www.militaryfactory.com}}</ref> '''Șoim''' (''Hawk'') is an [[trainer (aircraft)#Advanced training|advanced trainer]] and [[attack aircraft|light attack aircraft]] designed and produced by the Romanian aircraft manufacturer [[Avioane Craiova]]. It is capable of performing front line roles, including those of [[close air support]] and [[aerial reconnaissance]].

Development of the IAR 99 begun in 1975, and the prototype conducted its [[maiden flight]] on 21 December 1985. Serial production commenced two years later. The aircraft is of [[semi-monocoque]] design, with tapered wings and a [[swept wing|swept-back]] tail unit. A large blade-type antenna installed beneath the nose on the port side of the fuselage gives the IAR 99 a distinctive appearance. Introduced by the [[Romanian Air Force]] during the late 1980s, the IAR 99 gradually displaced both the [[Aero L-29 Delfin]] and [[Aero L-39 Albatros]] as the primary jet trainer of the service.

Since its introduction, various modifications and variants of the IAR 99 have been implemented or proposed. Various small changes made during the 1990s were centred around boosting safety and lowering maintenance demands, as well as to adapt it for use as the lead-in trainer for Romania's [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21|MiG-21 Lancer]] fleet. A more extensive upgrade involving American-sourced avionics was worked on, including the adaption of three IAR 99s as flying testbeds and aerial demonstrators, but was ultimately not rolled out to production aircraft. During the early 2020s, the existing IAR 99 airframes were modernised for continued service with the Romanian Air Force. Despite marketing and development efforts, no export sales have been secured for the type to date.

==Development== In 1975, design work on what would become the IAR 99 commenced, the project would produce the first jet trainer to be both fully designed and built in [[Romania]]. Four years later, funding was approved for the construction of the first aircraft by [[Avioane Craiova SA|I.Av. Craiova]]; at the time, the firm was also engaged in the manufacture of the [[IAR 93]] attack aircraft. In 1983, the existence of the IAR 99 was publicly revealed at the [[Paris Airshow]]; at the event, it was claimed that the aircraft was already being test flown.<ref name = "airforce 108">Air Force Magazine 1984, p. 108.</ref> On 21 December 1985, the prototype (S-001) performed its [[maiden flight]] with Lt. Col. Vagner Ștefănel at the controls.<ref name="Falcon">''Air International'' September 1990, pp. 129–133.</ref> S-002 served for static (ground) testing, S-003 being the second flying prototype (later re-serialled 7003).{{citation needed|date=March 2026}}

The aircraft entered series production in 1987, with 17 aircraft delivered to the [[Romanian Air Force]] by 1989..{{citation needed|date=March 2026}} Early refinements and post-delivery modifications were focused around increasing operational safety as well as ease of maintenance.<ref name = "iar successor">{{cite web |url = https://www.incas.ro/iar-99-and-successors-program/ |title = IAR 99 and Successors Program |website = incas.ro |language = en |access-date = 15 March 2026}}</ref>

In 1990, the [[Revolutions of 1989|fall of the Eastern Bloc]] created new export opportunities for the aircraft. Despite the aircraft possessing excellent aerodynamic and handling qualities, it was left behind in several competitors largely on account of its obsolete [[avionics]]. Accordingly, upgrades became a commercial priority.{{citation needed|date=March 2026}}

[[File:708 IAR IAR-99 Soim Romanian Air Force. (5644145713).jpg|thumb|IAR 99 at Farnborough]]

The first upgrade attempt was made in 1990 by I.Av.Craiova together with the Texas-based [[Jaffe Aircraft Corporation]]. Aircraft 708 and 709<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vlad |first=Ing. Dănuț |date=21 December 2015 |title=IAR-99 – 30 de ani de la primul zbor |url=https://www.resboiu.ro/iar-99-soim-30-de-ani-de-la-primul-zbor/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024084454/https://www.resboiu.ro/iar-99-soim-30-de-ani-de-la-primul-zbor/ |archive-date=24 October 2020 |access-date=8 March 2021 |language = ro |website=Resboiu}}</ref> were modified by installing [[Honeywell]] avionics, while the [[canopy (aircraft)|canopy]] was changed to a two-piece design instead of the original one piece; this change would be retained for all subsequent aircraft. 708 took its first flight on 8 August 1990, followed by 709 weeks later. The aircraft were displayed at the 1990 [[Farnborough Airshow]], being proposed for the [[Joint Primary Aircraft Training System]] program for the United States of America, although this work resulted in no orders. In 1991, aircraft number 712 was outfitted with [[Collins Aerospace|Collins]] avionics and took part in a show in [[Ankara]], Turkey.{{citation needed|date=March 2026}} Subsequently, aircraft 708, 709 and 712 were reconfigured to Standard and delivered to the Romanian Air Force.{{citation needed|date=March 2026}}

In 1996, the upgrade program of the IAR 99 was revived with the need for a lead-in trainer for the newly upgraded [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21|MiG-21 Lancer]]. The Israeli company [[Elbit]] was chosen as an integrator. The avionics package selected was stated to be compatible with fifth generation fighter systems and it was inspired by the MiG-21 Lancer upgrade, but adapted to the requirements for the IAR 99. The first upgraded IAR 99 was the 18th production aircraft (number 718), which performed its first flight on 22 May 1997.<ref name="ACV">{{Cite web |url=http://www.acv.ro/products_en.php?m=1&s=1 |title=IAR 99 SOIM History |access-date=28 September 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724203354/http://www.acv.ro/products_en.php?m=1&s=1 |archive-date=24 July 2011 |language = en |url-status=dead }}</ref> The upgraded IAR 99 was displayed at Paris in 1997 and Farnborough in 1998.{{citation needed|date=March 2026}}

On 6 August 1998, the Romanian Government approved the introduction into series production of the upgrade program for 24 IAR-99 Șoim, out of which four were originally scheduled to be delivered by 2001. On 20 April 2000, the Romanian [[Ministry of National Defence (Romania)|Ministry of National Defence]] signed a contract covering all 24 aircraft; however, the scope was reduced to only 12 aircraft on 14 December 2000.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Leoveanu |first=Grigore |date=10 December 2014 |title=Programul IAR 99 - Scurt Istoric |url=https://iar99soim.blogspot.com/2014/12/programul-iar-99-scurt-istoric.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127210056/https://iar99soim.blogspot.com/2014/12/programul-iar-99-scurt-istoric.html |archive-date=27 November 2020 |access-date=8 March 2021 |website=IAR99SOIM |language = ro}}</ref> Of these, seven IAR 99s were to be new-builds (numbers 719–725) while five were upgraded from existing airframes (numbers 709, 711, 712, 713, 717). The upgraded aircraft were delivered between 2003 and 2008,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ștefănescu |first=Ioan |date=1 June 2012 |title=S.C. Advanced Training Aircraft IAR 99 (A) SOIM |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/268439711 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308194102/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/268439711_SC_Advanced_Training_Aircraft_IAR_99_A_SOIM |archive-date=8 March 2021 |access-date=8 March 2021 |website=[[ResearchGate]] |language = en}}</ref> gradually replacing the [[Aero L-39 Albatros|L-39 Albatros']] in service with the Romanian Air Force's training school. Thus, the Romanian Air Force will have 12 ''IAR 99 C Șoim'' (upgraded) and 11 ''IAR 99 Standard'', with 7003 remaining with [[Avioane Craiova SA]] as demonstrator aircraft.

In 2015, a consortium composed of Avioane Craiova, {{abbr|INCAS| The romanian institute for research in aeronautics and space}} and {{abbr|[[Craiova Air Base#Center for Research, Innovation and Flight Tests|CCIZ]]| The center for flight research and testing}} announced<ref>{{cite news |title=Avionul românesc IAR 99 TD ar putea zbura la începutul anului 2018 |url=https://www.digi24.ro/stiri/actualitate/evenimente/avionul-romanesc-iar-99-td-ar-putea-zbura-la-inceputul-anului-2018-464396 |access-date=8 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308153618/https://www.digi24.ro/stiri/actualitate/evenimente/avionul-romanesc-iar-99-td-ar-putea-zbura-la-inceputul-anului-2018-464396 |archive-date=8 March 2021 |publisher=[[Digi24]] |date=4 December 2015 |language = ro}}</ref> that an enhanced version of the IAR 99 called IAR 99 TD is under development. A single airframe will be built with a new avionics suite, an engine and radar. The [[Leonardo S.p.A.|Leonardo]] Vixen 500E<ref>{{cite news |title=Leonardo Vixen 500E AESA radar chosen for IAR-99 tech demonstrator |url=https://www.leonardocompany.com/en/press-release-detail/-/detail/vixen-500e |access-date=8 March 2021 |publisher=Leonardo S.p.A. |language = en |date=29 August 2017}}</ref> radar was chosen and requires lengthening the nose by 900mm. A new powerplant which supports computer control is required to replace the [[Armstrong Siddeley Viper|Rolls-Royce Viper]] engine, which had been designed during the 1950s; this in turn will necessitate a twice as big air intake.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Român |first=Cristian |date=30 June 2016 |title=Demonstratorul tehnologic IAR 99-TD realizat de INCAS |url=https://stiintasitehnica.com/demonstratorul-tehnologic-iar-99-td-realizat-de-incas/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205170357/https://stiintasitehnica.com/demonstratorul-tehnologic-iar-99-td-realizat-de-incas/ |archive-date=5 December 2020 |access-date=8 March 2020 |website=Știință & Tehnică |language = ro}}</ref> A prototype is expected to be completed by 2022.<ref>{{cite news |title=Proiectul IAR-99 TD prezentat la Inventika |url=http://www.rumaniamilitary.ro/proiectul-iar-99-td-prezentat-la-inventika |access-date=23 March 2015 |publisher=Romania Military |language = ro |date=19 October 2014}}</ref>

In December 2020, [[Elbit Systems]] announced they had been awarded the contract to upgrade the remaining 10 IAR 99 Standard airframes in service with the Romanian Air Force.<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 December 2020 |title=Elbit Systems Awarded $27 Million Contract to Upgrade Romanian Air Force's IAR-99 Aircraft |url=https://elbitsystems.com/pr-new/elbit-systems-awarded-27-million-contract-to-upgrade-romanian-air-forces-iar-99-aircraft/ |access-date=8 March 2020 |language = en |website=[[Elbit Systems]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://militaryembedded.com/avionics/computers/romanian-iar-99-hawk-aircraft-to-see-avionics-upgrades |title = Romanian IAR-99 Hawk aircraft to see avionics upgrades |date = 14 December 2020 |website = militaryembedded.com |first = Emma |last = Helfrich}}</ref> The upgrade, performed by Avioane Craiova, was to be finished by 2024. However, due to several delays, the first aircraft was modernized in December 2023.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.g4media.ro/dupa-o-lunga-intarziere-au-inceput-la-craiova-probele-cu-primul-avion-iar-99-sm-care-a-fost-modernizat.html |title=După o lungă întârziere au început la Craiova probele cu primul avion IAR 99 SM care a fost modernizat |language=ro |work=[[G4Media]] |date=22 December 2023}}</ref> One factor in these delays has been the [[Russo-Ukrainian war]] as suppliers were requested to put other projects on hold to prioritise aid to Ukraine.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://agerpres.ro/2025/10/23/minister-avioane-craiova-seeking-relief-from-delay-penalties-as-upstream-company-elbit-invokes-force--1496524 |title = Minister: Avioane Craiova seeking relief from delay penalties, as upstream company Elbit invokes force majeure |website = agerpres.ro |language = en |date = 23 October 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://en.defence-ua.com/news/romanias_2020_iar_99_modernization_contract_still_unfinished_company_begs_to_avoid_bankruptcy-17243.html |title = Romania's 2020 IAR-99 Modernization Contract Still Unfinished, Company Begs To Avoid Bankruptcy |publisher = Defense Express |language = en |date = 22 January 2026}}</ref>

==Design==

The fuselage of the IAR 99 is of conventional semi-[[monocoque]] construction, being all-metal and possessing an oval cross-section.<ref name = "airforce 108"/> It is equipped with retractable [[tricycle landing gear]], each unit being equipped with a single wheel and an [[oleo strut|oleo]]-[[pneumatic]] [[shock absorber]]; when retracted, the landing gear is full enclosed.<ref name = "airforce 108"/> The IAR 99 is powered by a non-[[afterburner|afterburning]] model of the [[Armstrong Siddeley Viper|Rolls-Royce Viper]] [[turbojet]] engine, which also powered the [[IAR 93]] attack aircraft.<ref name = "airforce 108"/> Installed within the rear fuselage, air is supplied to the engine via a pair of lateral intakes set on either side of the fuselage in line with the rear of the cockpit. No [[Air brake (aeronautics)|air brake]] is present.<ref name = "airforce 108"/>

The IAR 99 features a low-mounted [[cantilever]] monoplane wing with unswept [[leading edge|leading]] and [[trailing edge]]s along with a three-degree [[Dihedral (aeronautics)|dihedral]].<ref name = "airforce 108"/> It is equipped with [[aileron]]s and [[trim tab]]s. The wing employs a conventional structure, comprising a pair of [[Spar (aeronautics)|spar]]s, [[Truss#Types|web]]s and [[flange]]s.<ref name = "endurance 58">Dorin, Simion, Radu, and Baran 2014, p. 58.</ref> Furthermore, the wing is equipped with a total of four underwing [[hardpoint]]s that permit the platform to perform weapons training and light attack missions.<ref name = "airforce 108"/> The tail unit features a rear-swept [[fin]] and a balanced [[rudder]]; the tailplane is unswept, lacks any dihedral, and features balanced [[Elevator (aeronautics)|elevator]]s. Trim tabs are present in each elevator and the rudder.<ref name = "airforce 108"/>

The aircraft has a [[tandem]]-stepped dual-control cockpit, which is equipped with [[Martin-Baker]] Mk 10 [[zero-zero ejection seat]]s. The instructor's seat at the rear position is raised by 35 cm to provide better visibility. The canopy was made as a single piece (prototypes and planes 701–707), later changed to a two-piece canopy, both opening to the [[starboard]] side.{{citation needed|date=March 2026}} The cockpit is equipped with [[Liquid Crystal Display]]s (LCDs) and [[HOTAS]] flight controls. Both the pilot and the instructor are equipped with a DASH Display and Sight Helmet identical to those used on Romanian [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21|MiG-21 Lancer]] fighters;<ref>Brooks and Gott 2006, p. 573.</ref> this helmet guides the onboard weapons systems to the pilot's line of sight and (via the visor's display) confirms when target acquisition has been achieved. The visor also displays the data from the HUD (Head-Up Display) while flight and navigation data are displayed on HUD, on the helmet DASH and MFDC (color multifunction [[Display device|displays]]).{{citation needed|date=March 2026}}

[[File:725-Avioane IAR.99C Soim-DSC 3038.JPG|thumb|250px|IAR 99 Șoim]] [[Elbit]] is supplying the aircraft's advanced avionics suite installed on a [[MIL-STD-1553]]B data bus. The advanced avionics suite, including communications, navigation, identification systems and the cockpit configuration, are similar to those of the [[MiG 21]] LanceR and [[F-16]] fighter aircraft. The IAR 99 is also equipped with video and debriefing systems.{{citation needed|date=March 2026}}

The communication systems include VHF and UHF communications, voice-activated intercom and an [[Identification friend or foe|IFF]] transponder. The flight systems include a VOR/ILS, linked [[VHF]] [[omnidirectional antenna]] radio ranger linked to the [[instrument landing system]]. Other navigation tools include [[distance measuring equipment]] (DME), an [[automatic direction finder]] (ADF), a [[Northrop Grumman]] inertial navigation system and a Trimble [[GPS]] system.{{citation needed|date=March 2026}} One of the best features of the aircraft's avionics is a virtual training system that allows, based on a [[data link]] system, inflight simulations of firing and air combat capabilities using two or more aircraft.{{citation needed|date=March 2026}}

The [[electronic warfare]] suite of the IAR 99 is based on the [[Elisra|Elisra Electronic Systems]] [[radar warning receiver]] and [[electronic countermeasures]] pod plus a [[chaff (radar countermeasure)|chaff]] and [[flare]] decoy dispenser. The systems are integrated through the 1553 data bus. The radar warning receiver detects [[pulse-Doppler]], pulse and [[continuous wave radar]] threats and provides threat identification by comparing signal characteristics against a threat database.{{citation needed|date=March 2026}}

== Variants ==

;* IAR-99 "Standard" : Initial variant designed as a lead-in trainer for the [[IAR-93]].

[[File:IAR 99, number 7003, landing.jpg|thumb|IAR 99, number 7003, landing in 2006. Note below the cockpit, the white bird logo overlapping the yellow "Swift" writing.]] ;* IAR-109 "Swift" : In 1992, an upgrade program was started in partnership with [[Israel Aircraft Industries|IAI]] Lahav<ref>{{Cite web |date= 15 November 2019 |title=Románia Solymai - IAR-99/99C Soim | work = Military technology |url= https://military-technology.blog.hu/2019/11/15/delkeleti_szomszedunk_solymai_iar-99_99c_soim |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925195048/https://military-technology.blog.hu/2019/11/15/delkeleti_szomszedunk_solymai_iar-99_99c_soim |archive-date=25 September 2020 |access-date=14 March 2021}}</ref> of [[Israel]], for both [[Romanian Air Force]] use and export.<ref>{{Cite web |work = All the world’s aircraft |publisher = Jane’s |url = http://www.janes.com/articles/Janes-All-the-Worlds-Aircraft/AVIOANE-IAR-109-SWIFT-Romania.html |title=IAR-109 Swift}}</ref> Aircraft number 7003 was equipped with [[HOTAS]] (Hands On Throttle and Stick) controls in both cockpits, a wide-angle HUD ([[Head-Up Display]]) with Up Front Control Panel in the front cockpit, two 3 inch displays in both cockpits, a ring laser gyro [[Inertial Navigation System]] (INS), as well as the integration of both Eastern and Western weapon systems on the aircraft. The aircraft was displayed at the 1993 [[Paris Air Show]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 June 1993 |title=IAR 109 Swift 7003 Paris Air Show 1993 |url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/emdjt42/4862755758/in/photostream/ |website=[[Flickr]]}}</ref> and flew at [[Asian Aerospace]] in 1994. A prospective sale of 10 aircraft to Botswana<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Leoveanu |first=Grigore |title= Cu IAR-ul în… Singapore!! |url= https://www.rumaniamilitary.ro/cu-iar-ul-in-singapore |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210213012943/https://www.rumaniamilitary.ro/cu-iar-ul-in-singapore |archive-date=13 February 2021 |access-date=8 March 2021 |website= Romania Military |date=22 October 2019 }}</ref> was blocked in parliament, ending the collaboration with IAI. The aircraft was converted back to Standard configuration and delivered to the center for flight research and testing (CCIZ). As late as 2009<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 August 2009 |title=IAR-109 Swift |url=https://www.airliners.net/photo/Romania-Air-Force/IAR-IAR-109-Swift/2579976/L |website=[[Airliners.net]]}}</ref> it still retained its "Swift" styled paint scheme and logo.

;* IAR-99C "Șoim" : [[File:Porti Deschise 2017 - Campia Turzii (35922293340).jpg|thumb|IAR-99C landing at [[RoAF 71st Air Base|RoAF 71st Airbase]] during open doors 2017.]]Upgraded variant using an [[Elbit Systems]] avionics package.

;*IAR-99TD : Technical demonstrator under development which will act as base for a future new trainer aircraft called IAR-99NG.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Program IAR 99 și Succesoare |url=https://www.incas.ro/ro/programe/program-trainer-iar-99-soim/ |access-date=1 March 2026 |website=INCAS |language=ro-RO}}</ref>

;* IAR-99SM "Standard Modernizat" : [[File:Ir99smbsda2024.jpg|thumb|IAR-99SM, number 715, on static display at BSDA 2024.]]Modernized Standard variant designed as a lead-in trainer for the [[F-16]] and [[F-35]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 December 2023 |title=AVIOANE CRAIOVA A MODERNIZAT PRIMUL IAR 99 SM |url=https://tvr-craiova.ro/stiri/avioane-craiova-a-modernizat-primul-iar-99-sm/?fbclid=IwAR3fkvDfUj9Cjj9-YxE6ZANctuOJnGa6U86E0PXmZTn_r5i-W2EHb0zdCSs |website=[[TVR]]}}</ref>

;* IAR-99SR "Șoim Revitalizat" : Modernized C variant designed as a light-attack aircraft with air-to-air capabilities.<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 October 2025 |title=Modernizarea avioanelor IAR-99 Standard. Povestea completă |url=https://www.aviatiamagazin.com/2025/10/08/modernizarea-avioanelor-iar-99-standard-povestea-aproape-completa/ |access-date=1 March 2026 |website=Aviatia Magazin |language=ro-RO}}</ref>

==Operators==

=== Current === {{ROM}}

* [[Romanian Air Force]] – 21 aircraft in service.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Eșecul IAR-99 în cifre. Cum explică oficialii că Avioane Craiova nu a modernizat niciun avion din cele 10 deși a primit o parte din bani |url=https://www.defenseromania.ro/esecul-iar-99-in-cifre-cum-explica-oficialii-ca-avioane-craiova-nu-a-modernizat-niciun-avion-din-cele-10-desi-a-primit-o-parte-din-bani_624122.html |access-date=2026-05-21 |website=www.defenseromania.ro |language=Romanian}}</ref>

=== Proposed === {{Flag|Botswana}}

* [[Air Arm Command (Botswana)|Botswana Defence Force Air Arm Command]] – 10 aircraft were planned. In the early 1990s, Romania attempted to export the IAR-99 based on the IAR-109 Swift upgrade to Botswana. The proposed deal reportedly involved the sale of approximately ten aircraft. However, the acquisition was ultimately not approved by the parliament, and the export contract was never concluded.<ref name=":2" />

* [[Mauritania Islamic Air Force]] – 2 aircraft were planned. Romania explored supplying two IAR-99 trainer aircraft as part of a broader package to Mauritania in the early 1990s that also included six [[IAR-93 Vultur]] aircraft configured for [[maritime patrol]]. The aircraft were intended for fisheries [[surveillance]] and maritime monitoring, with Mauritanian pilots and technicians reportedly planned to receive training in Romania. The proposal, which allegedly involved payment partly through fishing rights granted to Romanian ocean-fishing companies, was never finalized and the aircraft were not delivered.<ref>{{Cite web |last=GMT |first=George |date=4 September 2016 |title=IAR-urile si PESTELE OCEANIC (I) |url=https://www.rumaniamilitary.ro/iar-urile-si-pestele-oceanic-i |access-date=12 March 2026 |website=Romania Military |language=ro-RO}}</ref>

== Notable accidents and incidents ==

* On 14 August 1986, aircraft number S-002 crashed. Lt. Col. Mihai Ionescu and Mj. Mitiță Stoica safely ejected.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> * On 26 June 1990, aircraft number S-001: While training for an upcoming air show, during an inverted low level flight, the left wing clipped the air strip and crashed. [[Lieutenant colonel|Lt. Col.]] Ștefănel Vagner and Lt. Col. Mihai Ionescu died.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Doroftei |first=Marius |date=21 December 2012 |title=IAR-99 (Soim), apogeul aviației din România |url=https://www.aviatiamagazin.com/headline/iar-99-soim-apogeul-aviatiei-din-romania/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150717145437/https://www.aviatiamagazin.com/headline/iar-99-soim-apogeul-aviatiei-din-romania/ |archive-date=17 July 2015 |access-date=8 March 2021 |website=AviatiaMagazin.com}}</ref> * On 24 February 1994, aircraft number 710 burned down on the ground. No injuries incurred.<ref name=":1" /> * On 30 March 1995, aircraft number 714: a fuel line rupture caused a fire. Both occupants ejected safely.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 55127 |url=https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/55127 |access-date=8 March 2021 |website=[[Aviation Safety Network]]}}</ref> * On 24 September 2004, aircraft number 721 (Șoim), suffered a bird strike to the cockpit with debris ingested by the engine. The crew attempted a crash landing and were badly injured upon impact, but recovered. The aircraft was written off.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 55596 |url=https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/55596 |access-date=8 March 2021 |website=[[Aviation Safety Network]]}}</ref> * On 23 August 2012, aircraft number 718 (Standard) crashed shortly after takeoff during a training flight. The instructor in the back seat ejected safely, suffering serious injuries. The student died.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 147880 |url=https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/147880 |access-date=8 March 2021 |website=[[Aviation Safety Network]]}}</ref> * On 16 July 2018, aircraft number 723 (Șoim), crashed after both occupants ejected safely. Onlookers report smoke coming from the aircraft before the crash.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 213352 |url=https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/213352 |access-date=8 March 2021 |website=[[Aviation Safety Network]]}}</ref>

==Specifications== {{Aircraft specs |ref= ''Avioane Craiova SA'',<ref name="ACV"/> ''Jane's all the World's Aircraft 2004-05''<ref name=JAWA2004-05>Jackson 2005, pp. 373–375.</ref> |prime units?= met  |crew= 2 |length m= 11.01 |span m= 9.85 |height m= 3.9 |wing area sqm= 18.71 |aspect ratio= 5.2 |airfoil= [[NACA airfoil|NACA 641A-214 (modified)]] |empty weight kg= 3,200 |empty weight note= equipped |gross weight kg= |gross weight lb= |gross weight note= |max takeoff weight kg= 4,400 |max takeoff weight note= Trainer; {{convert|5560|kg|abbr=on}} Ground attack |fuel capacity= Internal:{{convert|1370|L|USgal impgal|abbr=on}}; External:up to {{convert|450|L|USgal impgal|abbr=on}} (in {{convert|225|L|USgal impgal|abbr=on}} drop tanks) |more general=  |eng1 number= 1 |eng1 name= [[Turbomecanica]]/[[Rolls-Royce Viper Mk632-41M]] |eng1 type= turbojet |eng1 kn= 17.79  |max speed kmh= 865 |max speed note= trainer, clean |max speed mach= 0.76 |cruise speed kmh= |cruise speed mph= |cruise speed kts= |cruise speed note= |stall speed kmh= |stall speed mph= |stall speed kts= |stall speed note= |never exceed speed kmh= |never exceed speed mph= |never exceed speed kts= |never exceed speed note= |range km= 1,100 |range note= Trainer with internal fuel; Ground attack with internal fuel {{convert|967|km|mi nmi|abbr=on}} |combat range km= 345 |combat range note= hi-lo-hi at {{convert|5280|kg|abbr=on}}all-up weight |ferry range km= |ferry range miles= |ferry range nmi= |ferry range note= |endurance= |ceiling m= 12,900 |g limits= +7 / -3.6 |roll rate= |climb rate ms= 35 |climb rate note= at Sea level |time to altitude= |wing loading kg/m2= 235.2 |wing loading note= Trainer; {{convert|297.2|kg/m2|abbr=on}} Ground attack |fuel consumption kg/km= |fuel consumption lb/mi= |thrust/weight= |more performance=  |guns= 1 × [[23×115mm|23 mm]] [[Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23L]] [[autocannon]] |hardpoints= 4 underwing hardpoints capable of holding 250 kg each and 1 central hardpoint capable of holding 400 kg |hardpoint capacity=up to {{convert|450|kg|lb|abbr=on}} of stores (the underwing hardpoints are wet capable of carrying 225l drop tanks) |rockets= ** [[LPR 57]] |missiles= ** [[R-60 (missile)|R-60]] [[air-to-air missile]] ** [[Python (missile)|Python]] AAM ** [[R.550 Magic]] AAM |bombs= ** [[BEM 250]] ** [[BE 100]] ** [[BE 50]] ** [[Mark 82 bomb|Mk 82]] [[general-purpose bomb]] ** [[Opher]] infrared-guided bomb ** [[Laser-guided bomb]]s |avionics= }}

==See also== {{Portal|Romania|Aviation}} {{aircontent |related= |similar aircraft= * [[Aermacchi MB-339]] - same engine and role * [[Aero L-59 Super Albatros]] * [[BAE Systems Hawk]] * [[FMA IA 63 Pampa]] * [[Mikoyan MiG-AT]] * [[PZL I-22 Iryda]] * [[Soko G-4 Super Galeb]] * [[Kawasaki T-4]] * [[CASA C-101]] |lists= |see also= }}

==References== ===Citations=== {{reflist}}

===Bibliography=== * {{cite magazine |magazine = Air Force Magazine |title = IAR 99 SOIM (Hawk) |volume = 67 |date = August 1984 |publisher = Air Force Association}} * {{cite book |last1 = Brooks |first1 = Michael G. |first2 = Kendall D. |last2 = Gott |title = Security Assistance, U.S. and International Historical Perspectives: Proceedings of the Combat Studies Institute 2006 Military History Symposium |publisher = Government Printing Office |isbn = 9-780160-87349-2}} * {{cite journal |url = https://www.researchgate.net/publication/270530239 |title = Comprehensive study of endurance for IAR-99 Hawk |last1 = Dorin |first1 = Lozici-Brinzei |last2 = Simion |first2 = Tataru |last3 = Radu |first3 = Bisca |last4 = Baran |first4 = Daniela |date = March 2014 |pages = 57–72 |volume = 6 |journal = Incas Bulletin |doi = 10.13111/2066-8201.2014.6.1.6 |doi-access = free }} * {{cite magazine |title=Romanian Falcon |magazine=Air International |volume=39 |issue=3 |date=September 1990 |pages=129–133}} * {{cite book |title=Jane's all the World's Aircraft 2004-05 |editor1-last=Jackson |editor1-first=Paul |year=2005 |publisher=Jane's Publishing Group |location=London, UK |isbn=0-7106-2614-2}}

==External links== {{Commons category|IAR 99}} * [http://www.incas.ro/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=134&Itemid=125 National Institute for Aerospace Research "Elie Carafoli" - IAR-99 SOIM] * [https://web.archive.org/web/20110724203312/http://www.acv.ro/gallery_en.php Photo gallery]

[[Category:1980s Romanian military trainer aircraft]] [[Category:Single-engined jet aircraft]] [[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1985]] [[Category:Low-wing aircraft]] [[Category:IAR aircraft|99]] [[Category:Aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear]]